Oscar fish care?

Question

I just bought two Oscars and I have a few questions about them. What kind of things do Oscars like in their tanks? I have a "rock" thing for them to go inside, do they like these? Also do they like plants? Should I keep the aquarium light on all the time, or do they need darkness time? Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

Hi Kelly

Oscars are neat fish. It sounds like you must have to very small young oscars. I hope you know what you're in for!

First your questions. Oscars like a roomy tank with a few hiding places, but mostly open so they can move around. Yes, they do like plants, for salad! They will eat and dig up any plants you put in the tank. Turn your light off for about 12 hours or so out of the day. Fish need a day and night cycle.

More info: I hope you have a pretty big tank, Oscars easily get 12" long and often larger than that. 14" is not that uncommon. They are rather aggressive and don't like too many other tank mates. Two adult Oscars will need a 90 gallon + aquarium, so if you can't house them you might want to start thinking about how you will get rid of the when they outgrow your tank. Pet shops will usually gladly take a nice sized Oscar for a generous store credit.

Here's a link to a site with more info on these great but big fish
http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-Oscar.htm

Hope this helps

MM

Answer 2

Oscar Fish Care

Answer 3

When small Oscars like a the security of a hiding spot, but as they grow and get used to you and the tank you'll find they won't use it much, and the open space becomes more important because of their size.

If you use plants they'll just tear them up and throw them around where they please, so real ones aren't feasable, and most people tend to avoid fake since they end up floating around.

All fish should have a day-night cycle. Without real plants you'll find keeping the aquarium lights to a minimum can help control algae, and a room light on is plenty for them to see by.

Pay close attention to the two Oscars. As they get bigger and older they'll get more territorial, and eventually you'll find the more dominent fish will start picking on the other. In the end you'll only be able to have one unless your two end up a mating pair, but the chances of this happing are not high. The only way to keep two Oscars is if they are a mating pair, and the best way to ensure they become this is to start with a few small ones and grow them out, letting them pair off amongst themselves.

An Oscar should have a tank with a footprint of 36"x18", two should have at least 48"x18".

Answer 4

Oscars enjoy a safe refuge. I made one for my two out of field rock and they love it. Oscars will tear up plants unless they are firmly rooted in wood or stone in which they still might destroy the plant species. Use artificial plants if anything. Keep the light on anywhere from 8-12 hours a day. "darkness time" is needed as for any other fish. It establishes a cycle for them to grow properly and there wont be any question to whether they are sleeping or not.

Answer 5

Your Oscar would be a 12" long floating residing house brick interior a 300 and sixty 5 days. i individually think of 40UK gallon consistent with fish is pleased with good filtration, however the expert opinion is definitely 55UK gallon. you will discover each and every situation you will be attentive to and a few trivialities on the link given. Oscars are in all probability the neatest fish you may purchase and that they finally end up being taken care of as badly as any species you are able to desire to come for the time of. a minimum of your between the few doing the learn in the previous paying for the fish, that's a delightful exchange :o)

Answer 6

they are very cool fish they can be trained to do tricks and beg for treats and in a way be a guard dog. they get to know you and get attached. they can and will destroy live plants, go with fake they like hidding some times and for the light you should get a timer so it comes on at the same time every day and goes off the same they need about 12 hour cycles that is close to their real haitat and will give them better color also keep the water clean as possable and they like toys anything that flots or not they will play like a kid but change them weekly or rotate them

Answer 7

i have had many of these they do like to hide behind things as for the plants they usually pull them up these fish also like to move the gravel i dont know if u know this or not those fish love pieces of raw hotdogs just a couple of little pieces here and there you can also feed them raw hamburger but this i would not suggest as for the lights they like the lights but the lights is what makes all of the algae and stuff grow faster i suggest shutting it of in the day and leaving it on during the night

Answer 8

They need a fairly large tank. They also need a very powerful filter to filter out their poop and to get rid of any left over food. They need some plants but the plastic ones are okay. The rock thing will probably be good while their small, but eventually they will get up to one foot. You should probably get a care book from a pet store.

Answer 9

These are all very good questions---------as to the light-------no more that half the time is a good guideline......as for the plants----yes they would like them TOO MUCH-----i do not recommend plants as they will destroy them and that will make your water all icky (dieing plants ruin your water)-----as for the rock-----that should be fine-------it is as much for your eye appeal as it is for theirs-----if it looks good-----do it----------with these lovely amazing fish space is the best gift you can give them-----and a well varied diet.